Depression in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth.

Depression has been shown to be more prevalent in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) youth than in their hearing peers. This increase in vulnerability likely stems from communicative barriers in a hearing world and adverse experiences related to stigma and discrimination. There are a variety of factors to consider in the assessment and treatment of depression in DHH youth. Additional attention, research, and resources are needed to support children and their families early on in life to reduce the impact associated with deafness, and to improve prevention and treatment of depression in this vulnerable population.